PAUL BRAVO SELECTED MLS FUJIFILM PLAYER OF THE WEEK FOR DOMINATING PERFORMANCE IN WIN OVER CHICAGO

DENVER (Monday, April 27, 1998) - Colorado Rapids forward Paul Bravo was named MLS Fujifilm Player of the Week following his one goal, two assist performance in Saturday's 5-4 shootout win over the Chicago Fire. Bravo set up two goals from Waldir with perfect passes, before scoring a late goal himself on a well-placed header to the upper corner of the net.

Bravo, currently tied for fourth in MLS with ten points, has three goals and four assists on the season. The forward has started and played every minute in all six matches this season. With Bravo pulling the strings, Colorado's offense has exploded for ten goals over the past three games, setting a team record for most goals over a three-game stretch. Bravo has two goals and two assists over those three contests (two wins and a shootout loss).

"I do feel like I'm playing well right now, it is mainly because of how well we have come together on attack. If this team continues to play as well as it has offensively, there will be plenty of chances not only for myself, but for Waldir, Chris Henderson and the rest of the guys," said Bravo.

Bravo set up Waldir's first goal in the 35th minute when he dribbled in alone on Chicago keeper Zach Thornton, before unselfishly laying the ball off for Waldir to tap in to an open net at the far post. In the 48th minute, Bravo again created an eventual strike, with a well-timed flick header to Waldir at the corner of the six-yard box, leaving the Peruvian striker to volley into the far corner of the net.

With ten minutes remaining and the score tied 3-3, Bravo soared above the Chicago defense to brilliantly head an Adrian Paz cross over the outstretched arms of Thornton and just under the crossbar in the upper corner of the net.

Rapids coach Glenn "Mooch" Myernick said it is Bravo's all-around game that is making him so effective. "Paul's is on top of all aspects of his game right now, with his running off the ball, his creating of chances with his passing, and definitely, his finishing. He is a very talented all-around forward, and his form is well-deserving of league-wide recognition," said Myernick. After leading the Rapids last season in goals (eight in the regular season), Bravo became the first player ever in Major League Soccer to lead two separate teams in scoring in two separate seasons. Bravo's scored 13 goals for the San Jose Clash to lead the team in 1996, before an off-season trade brought him to Colorado before the 1997 campaign.